Taxis and/or Uber or similar

Uber X, the service where someone signs up as a Uber driver and picks you up with their car was declared illegal in Italy by a 2015 Court decision following a class lawsuit by the Italian Radio Taxi association. The Court ruled that type of service can only be provided by individuals in possession of a limo driver license or a taxi license. As a result of that court decision Uber offers in Italy a service called Uber Black or Uber Van, a black limo service provided by actual licensed limo driver on luxury cars. The cost is therefore approximately similar to any limo service, and generally more expensive than a regular taxi service. In 2022 Uber reached an agreement with the Italian Radio Taxi association, which operates the ItTaxi app, to summon regular taxicabs using the Uber app. That service is available in Rome and other cities. Just be aware that if you summon a regular taxicab through the Uber app, Uber will add a 3€ per ride commission fee to the total taxi charge..

With the exception of Rome, which is large and where you can use the ItTaxi app, or the Uber app (for an extra 3€), you won’t need to use the taxi much in the other cities, as their city centers are small and walkable. You will need only a taxi from the station/airport taxi stand when you arrive, and vice versa when you depart. If you stay at a hotel, the easiest way to summon a taxi is to ask the hotel desk to summon one for you via internet.

This is really great information. I really appreciate it, thank you.

Hello Adriana, and welcome to the fourm,

You need to either catch taxis at taxi stands or call them your local via the phone or an app - you cannot flag down taxis in the street. All airports and train stations have taxi stands in front of them so if you want one just join the line and take the next available cab. Never accept offers of rides inside an airport or tourist spot from anyone not in the taxi line.

There is no single taxi app but AppTaxi has worked well for me in many northern Italian cities. You can even set-up reserved future rides in some cities up to 24 hours in advance and pay through the app as well. There are a series of set charges for calling them to you, late at night, Sunday etc that are all posted. Taxis are all supposed to take credit cards but most prefer cash so confirm before you get in if you only have cards.

The only taxis in Venice are sleek boats and they can be used just like taxis on land but are prohibitively expensive for most people and so most people the take the vaporetto water bus instead. Taxis to and from the airport and city edge are readily available.

Have a great trip,
=Tod

Thank you Tod, very helpful information. I really appreciate it.